Welcome to Selections Day at Redleaf Homes
Selections Day is one of the most exciting milestones in your home build. It is when the plans you have imagined become real products, colors, and finishes that you can see and touch. At Redleaf Homes, we host Selections Day at our New Berlin showroom so you can make confident choices with guidance from our team. To help you prepare, we created a practical home building selections checklist that shows what to bring and what to decide first. With a plan in place, you will save time, avoid second-guessing, and keep your project on schedule.
Redleaf Homes has been building custom homes since 2011, serving Southeastern Wisconsin and the Northwoods with craftsmanship and a customer-first approach. Our team focuses on clear communication, thoughtful planning, and a organized selection process that reduces surprises. Whether you are building in New Berlin, Waukesha, Pewaukee, Delafield, Oconomowoc, or Lake Country, your Selections Day appointment will be tailored to your goals, budget, and lifestyle.
Why a Home Building Selections Checklist Matters
A well-made home building selections checklist keeps your decisions in the right order. Some products have longer lead times, and some choices affect the next trades in line. If you choose items out of order, you may face changes, delays, or extra costs. Our team walks you through an order that works with your build schedule, your approved plans, and your allowances.
During Selections Day at the Redleaf Homes showroom, you will have dedicated time with our design specialist. The goal is not to rush you. The goal is to make a series of logical decisions, starting with the big choices that drive the look and performance of your home. From there, we narrow in on details like hardware and grout. The result is a cohesive design that fits your budget and timeline.
What to Bring to the New Berlin Showroom
Arriving prepared will make your appointment smooth and enjoyable. Use this home building selections checklist for what to bring on the day:
- A copy of your approved floor plan and elevations
- Your appliance list with model numbers and dimensions
- Photos or links of inspiration for kitchens, baths, and exteriors
- Any existing furniture or rug dimensions you want to design around
- Samples you already own, such as a favorite fabric or heirloom wood tone
- Your prioritized wish list and nice-to-have items
- Allowance summary and any notes from your financing approval
- A list of any must-have accessibility considerations or pet-friendly features
- Phone with a good camera to take reference photos
- Comfortable shoes, water, and a light snack for longer sessions
We also recommend bringing all decision-makers to Selections Day. Having everyone at the table reduces rework and helps us finalize choices in one go.
The Ideal Order of Selections: What to Decide First
The order below is the backbone of our home building selections checklist. It follows the flow of your build, accounting for lead times, site scheduling, and trade coordination.
- Structural and layout confirmations
- Exterior palette and products
- Windows, exterior doors, and garage doors
- Roofing and gutters
- Cabinetry and space planning
- Countertops and tile
- Plumbing fixtures and shower systems
- Lighting and electrical plan
- Flooring and carpet
- Interior doors, trim, and stair details
- Paint palette and wall treatments
- Hardware and accessories
1. Structural and Layout Confirmations
Before colors and finishes, we confirm the bones of your home. This includes any final tweaks to walls, door swings, ceiling heights, fireplace placement, and built-ins. We also lock in mechanical locations that influence cabinets, lighting, and furniture layouts. Redleaf Homes prioritizes this step to prevent changes later that could affect cost or timeline.
2. Exterior Palette and Products
Start with the public face of your home. Choose siding or masonry, exterior trim color, and accent materials. Pick a main color and one or two complementary tones. Think about curb appeal and maintenance. Our New Berlin showroom has full-size samples so you can see how textures and tones play together in natural and showroom lighting.
3. Windows, Exterior Doors, and Garage Doors
These items have long lead times and impact energy performance, security, and style. Decide on grid patterns, exterior color, and glass options. Consider privacy glass for baths and side entries. Pair your garage door style with your front door for a cohesive look.
4. Roofing and Gutters
Shingle or metal, profile, and color are best decided early so we can order on time. Your roof color should coordinate with the exterior palette. Plan gutter color and downspout locations now to avoid conflicts with exterior accents and landscaping plans.
5. Cabinetry and Space Planning
Cabinet layout drives function in your kitchen, baths, and mudroom. Bring appliance specs so we can plan clearances and utilities. Decide door style, overlay, wood species or paint, and storage features like pull-outs or spice drawers. If you plan a beverage center or a hidden pantry, this is the time to lock it in.
6. Countertops and Tile
Once cabinets are chosen, pair countertops and backsplash. Choose materials that match your maintenance preference, such as quartz for low upkeep or natural stone for character. For bathrooms, select shower walls, niche placement, and flooring. Tile size and pattern affect grout lines and cleaning, so consider both look and daily use.
7. Plumbing Fixtures and Shower Systems
Pick fixtures that fit your design, then choose finishes like chrome, brushed nickel, or matte black. Confirm shower valve types and locations before walls are closed. Decide on accessories like handheld showers, towel bars, robe hooks, and toilet paper holders to make sure blocking and placements are accurate.
8. Lighting and Electrical Plan
We walk your plan room by room to place overhead lighting, sconces, and under-cabinet lights. We also locate switches, outlets, and special circuits for items like holiday lights or a home office. Smart dimmers, doorbell cameras, and hardwired networking can be decided here to support your lifestyle.
9. Flooring and Carpet
Flooring choices affect comfort, sound, and maintenance. Decide where to use hardwood or luxury vinyl plank, where tile is needed, and where carpet makes sense. Choose stain or tone that ties to cabinet colors and the stair system. Confirm transitions between materials for a clean look.
10. Interior Doors, Trim, and Stair Details
Interior millwork defines your style. Pick door style and swing, baseboard and casing profile, crown details, and the stair system, including balusters and handrails. Match or thoughtfully contrast your trim color with your cabinet finishes and flooring for a balanced design.
11. Paint Palette and Wall Treatments
With the big finishes set, finalize paint. Choose a cohesive neutral for main areas, plus accent colors for rooms that need extra personality. Plan for specialty finishes like shiplap or wainscoting early if they affect trim work.
12. Hardware and Accessories
Finally, choose cabinet hardware, door levers, and any decorative hooks or mirrors. Hardware is the jewelry of your home. If you love mixed metals, we will help you blend finishes intentionally so the result looks curated, not random.
Room-by-Room Home Building Selections Checklist
Kitchen
- Cabinet layout and door style
- Appliance specs and ventilation details
- Countertop, backsplash, and grout color
- Sink style and faucet finish
- Under-cabinet lighting and switch locations
- Hardware style and size
- Pantry storage features and rollout trays
Owner’s Suite
- Bedroom lighting plan and outlet placement
- Closet system layout and finishes
- Bathroom vanity, mirrors, and lighting
- Shower system, tile, and glass door style
- Flooring material and radiant heat options
Secondary Bathrooms
- Tub or shower selection
- Tile surround and niche placement
- Vanity size, top, and faucet
- Durable flooring and ventilation settings
Great Room and Living Areas
- Fireplace style, surround, and mantel
- Built-ins or media wall details
- Ceiling treatments and beam options
- Lighting layers, from cans to sconces
Mudroom and Laundry
- Cubbies, hooks, and bench layout
- Durable flooring and wall protection
- Laundry appliance sizes and utility locations
- Countertop for folding and sink options
Lower Level and Outdoor Spaces
- Bar or kitchenette layout and finishes
- Bath selections to match upstairs standards
- Patio doors, deck material, and railings
- Exterior lighting and hose bibs
Budget and Schedule Tips From Redleaf Homes
Smart planning protects your budget and your timeline. Use these guidelines to make the most of Selections Day at our New Berlin showroom.
- Prioritize impact areas. Spend on kitchens, primary baths, and flooring that covers large areas.
- Choose timeless foundations. Keep big surfaces classic, then add personality with hardware, paint, and lighting.
- Ask about lead times. Windows, doors, cabinets, and garage doors often need early orders.
- Bundle finishes. Matching plumbing finishes across rooms can unlock value and create a cohesive look.
- Mind the allowance. Our team will flag items that are over or under your allowance so you can adjust in real time.
- Document everything. We record product names, colors, and codes to avoid confusion later.
- Plan for future phases. If you want a basement bar later, we can stub plumbing and electrical now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selections Day
How long does Selections Day take?
Most Selections Day appointments at Redleaf Homes take three to six hours. Larger homes may need a second session. We set a pace that lets you ask questions, see options, and feel confident.
What if I am not sure about my style?
Bring a handful of inspiration photos and we will help you find your look. Our designers can guide you toward a cohesive palette that fits your budget and your daily routine.
Do I need to know exact paint colors?
We prefer to lock in a main interior color on Selections Day, then finalize accent colors after cabinets and flooring are on site if needed. We will help you schedule that step.
Can I mix metal finishes?
Yes, in a thoughtful way. For example, matte black lights with brushed nickel plumbing can work when tied together by cabinet hardware or mirrors. We will help you create a balanced mix.
What happens if my selection goes over allowance?
We will show you the overage and offer alternatives that match your design. You decide whether to keep the upgrade or adjust elsewhere. Our process is transparent so there are no surprises.
What Happens After Selections Day
Once your selections are final, Redleaf Homes creates a detailed specification package for your build team. We place orders in line with your schedule and confirm deliveries. Your project manager shares updates and coordinates trades so each selection is installed correctly. If a product is discontinued or delayed, we will present similar options and keep your project moving.
During construction, we will invite you to site walk-throughs at key points such as framing, electrical rough-in, and trim. This gives you a chance to see how your choices come together and ask questions before finishes are installed.
Why Choose Redleaf Homes for Your Custom Build
Redleaf Homes has delivered one-of-a-kind homes since 2011, focusing on quality, transparency, and a stress-free experience. Our services include custom home design, home planning, home building, home remodeling, and home additions. From New Berlin o Waukesha, Pewaukee, Delafield, Oconomowoc, and the Lake Country area, our team crafts spaces that match your lifestyle and budget.
Our showroom-based Selections Day process is hands-on and organized. You will have a knowledgeable guide, clear pricing, and a realistic timeline. We use a proven home building selections checklist to align your design, schedule, and allowance. The result is a beautiful, functional home delivered with confidence.
Prepare for Selections Day With This Quick Checklist
- Confirm your floor plan and any final structural changes
- Gather appliance model numbers and furniture measurements
- Collect a small set of inspiration images
- Review your allowance and set priorities
- Bring all decision-makers to the showroom
- Plan to take photos and notes
- Arrive ready to enjoy the process
Visit the Redleaf Homes Showroom in New Berlin
Ready to make your choices with ease and excitement? Schedule your Selections Day at Redleaf Homes and use our home building selections checklist to stay on track. Visit us at 17035 W Greenfield Ave, New Berlin, WI. Call 262-599-8061 to book your appointment and request your free guide. Our team is excited to help you design a home that is beautiful, practical, and uniquely yours.
When you work with Redleaf Homes, you get a partner from design through move-in. We take the time to listen, plan ahead, and communicate clearly so your entire experience is as enjoyable as the day you get your keys. Let us show you how simple and fun Selections Day can be.
Thinking about building new in SE Wisconsin? Give us a call to discuss your options!
